Pictured with Lincoln life mask in the collection of the Massachusetts Historical Society

Vincent Calvagno

BA in History, Minor in Italian (Honors College)
PhD Candidate in History, Yale University

“My professors at Adelphi instilled in me an interest in historical research and the confidence to pursue it. They also provided role models for me—Professor LaCombe for his mentoring, Professor Reno for his teaching style and Professor Haas for his lecturing abilities. I aim to focus my studies in graduate school on the environmental history of colonial New England.”

Joacim Carhed

MS in Business Analytics
Data Analytics Associate, Flynn Zito Capital Management, Garden City, New York

“My experiences as a student, student-athlete and graduate assistant helped me grow as a leader and prepared me to take this next step in finance and analytics. In my new role, I support the firm through data-driven analysis, reporting and process improvement.”

Julia Carpio

MA in Childhood Education and Advanced Certificate in TESOL
Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program, Athens, Greece

“I was in the five-year STEP program and with Professor Mary Jean McCarthy deepened my passion for learning about how education and pedagogy are approached in different countries. My Fulbright will take me to Athens College, where I will support English instruction at the elementary school level, mentor students and serve as a counselor at the college’s English language summer camp.”

Mariane Diby

BS in Physics (Honors College)
PhD Candidate in Aerospace Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

“As a physics major, I pursued research exploring astrophysical shock phenomena and devoted my senior thesis to it. This summer, before entering my PhD program, I will be interning at the Simons Foundation to work on computational astrophysics research. I have always been passionate about studying the universe and building the technologies that carry us into space. My goal is to contribute to a new generation of spacecraft and aerospace innovation through research and engineering.”

Jeremiah Ford

BS in Computer Science/Cybersecurity
Systems Analyst, Brown Brothers Harriman, Jersey City, New Jersey

“In my new role at Brown Brothers Harriman, I will be in a two-year program for recent graduates. It bridges the gap between finance and technology by allowing me to rotate through four different IT or systems teams. I will be able to gain real-world expertise in software development, data solutions and business systems analysis. Once completed, I will be placed in a permanent, full-time position within the firm’s systems department.”

Kylie Goldade

BS in Physics
MA Candidate in Museum Studies, The Cooperstown Graduate Program, SUNY Oneonta

“I did lots of interdisciplinary work in the sciences, education and museum studies at Adelphi, and I had an internship at the Cradle of Aviation Museum. That led me to Cooperstown, which has the country’s only science-based museum education program. My ultimate goal is a PhD in preservation studies at the University of Delaware, with a focus on preservation technology.”

Jose Gonzalez

MBA, Accounting
Audit Associate, PwC

“I was in the 4+1 Accounting and MBA program, and my graduate accounting research class truly solidified my decision to pursue accounting. It helped me understand that although technology will continue to change many professions, we should embrace those changes and use them to become the kind of professionals the future needs.”

Rachel Halpert

BS in Biology (Honors College)
DMD Candidate, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine

“My experience as a tutor at the Center for Academic Support and Enrichment allowed me to see firsthand how personalized guidance can empower others, a passion I am excited to carry forward into my dental career. I want to thank my parents and my brother for their endless support, as well as Professor Hobbie and David Oroza of the Office of Pre-Professional Advising for mentoring me every step of the way.”

Joanna Rita Karpiel

BA in Art History, Minor in French (Honors College)
MA Candidate in the History of Art, Courtauld Institute of Art, London, England

“I wrote my senior thesis on Young Poland, a Modern movement between 1890–1918, and the symbols artists used to express their Polish identity. In grad school, I will focus on the art of China, Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. The incredible careers of my professors, and the Women in the Arts class I took, solidified the idea of pursuing a �������ٱ��’s degree. Both allowed me to visualize the stories I will be able to tell as an art historian and museum professional.”

Allison Kohl

Elementary School Art Teacher, Hamburg (New York) Central School District

“My time at Adelphi helped me grow not only as an artist, but as an educator. Through student teaching, mentorship and hands-on classroom experiences, I gained the confidence and creativity to begin my journey as an art teacher and inspire students to express themselves through art.”

Ashley Kreth

BS in Chemistry (Earned in Three Years)
NSF Graduate Research Fellow/PhD Candidate in Chemistry, University of Georgia

“I am excited to pursue a PhD in synthetic organic chemistry at the University of Georgia and plan to apply the skills and expertise I’ll have developed there to a career in industry. Two pieces of advice I would share with someone just beginning their undergraduate career are to take full advantage of every resource and opportunity available to you and to be open-minded regarding your future career path. You never know what you may end up doing!”

Valeria Lopez

BS in Biology (Honors College)
DVM Candidate, Long Island University Lewyt College of Veterinary Medicine

“I’m very grateful to the Honors College for funding my fellowship in Rome in the summer of 2024, where I worked with two large-animal sanctuaries to understand the unique challenges these animals face. This experience, coupled with being the owner of a crested gecko, helped me see the need for veterinarians that don’t just work with cats and dogs, motivating me to become an exotics vet.”

Shota Mikautadze

BA in Economics and Political Science (Levermore Global Scholar)
Paid Finance Internship Leading to Financial Analyst Position, J.C. Steel Erectors, Islip, New York

“Through Adelphi’s Leadership Certificate Program, I attended a New York Islanders game hosted by Chris Amplo ’00. We had a genuine conversation that evening, and he asked me to send my résumé. I did, and he scheduled me for an interview the following week. It went well, and he offered me a position on the spot. So the University that shaped me connected me to the opportunity that’s launching my career.”

Pazia Miller

PhD in Clinical Psychology
Advanced Fellowship, National Center for PTSD and the Yale School of Medicine

“The research I did for my dissertation was on decision-making in individuals with cocaine-use disorder. My postdoc is an advanced fellowship in mental illness and research treatment, where I will be doing research on decision-making and ambiguity in PTSD treatment, training in psychedelic-assisted trauma therapy, and gaining advanced clinical training on the treatment of trauma. I hope this is an important step to building a meaningful career as a scientist-practitioner in the research and treatment of trauma.”

Juliana Morsello

BS in Cognitive Neuroscience
PhD Candidate in Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Binghamton University

“Through ���������’s neuroscience coursework, along with opportunities like the Emerging Scholars Program and my role as a peer educator, I discovered not only my passion for becoming a neuroscientist, but also my love for engaging with and educating the broader community.”

Hussein Ali Rifath

BA in Political Science and Spanish
Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program, Madrid, Spain

“My Fulbright is an incredible opportunity for me, and I’m deeply honored to have been selected. What excites me most about it is the chance it gives me to faithfully represent my country as a citizen diplomat. I hope to create a transformative classroom for the students I work with, one that can help them come to see America not as a distant foreign country but as a vibrant and welcoming society that not only honors them, but cherishes the bonds that unite us all.”

Rebecca Rosa

Master of Social Work
Social Worker, Dementia Unit, Autumn Lake Healthcare, New Britain, Connecticut

“Social work chose me long before I chose it, and 91�Թ��� confirmed that calling. The Gerontological Social Work Fellowship Program, along with the transformative courses I took with Professors Zodikoff and Kaplan on dementia and healthcare, deepened my understanding of older adults and solidified my purpose. This population is too often overlooked, and I intend to change that. My vision is to pursue a PhD and drive meaningful research in Alzheimer’s disease because older adults don’t just deserve care; they deserve dedicated social workers by their side.”

Christopher Sciortino

MS in Computer Science
Software Developer, Northville Industries, Melville, New York

“In my new role, I will be contributing to the development of enterprise desktop and web-based applications, from implementation to deployment and support. My goal has always been to create technology that solves problems and has a positive impact. Adelphi has helped me grow towards a parallel goal: to become a leader who inspires innovation, supports others and helps shape the future of technology.”

Nina Tchavtchanidze

MS in Biology
Lab Manager/Research Associate, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York

“I am especially grateful to Dr. Benjamin S. Weeks, who trained me as a scientist through his mentorship of my thesis research, guidance as a teaching assistant and instruction in laboratory skills. I am also extremely grateful to Thomas Ward and the team at the Center for Career and Professional Development, who helped shape me as a leader and a professional.”

The post On the Fast Track to Success: Next Steps for Our 2026 Grads appeared first on 91�Թ���.

It was a day of transitions, and a happy one.

Interim President Christopher Storm, PhD, who will be returning to his job as provost on June 1 with new leadership responsibilities as senior executive vice president of academic affairs, expressed sincere thanks for the support he received over the past year.

President-Elect Michael Balboni ’81, JD, enthusiastically greeted the graduating seniors as his “fellow alumni” and offered his success as an indication of how far an Adelphi degree can take them.

And the 1,165 members of the Class of 2026 closed the book on their undergraduate years and entered the next phase of their lives.

Commencement by the Numbers and Degrees

Just as it is every year, there was no “typical” Adelphi graduate. Six bachelor’s degree recipients are 19 years old. The oldest is 59 and is one of six graduates who are in their 50s. Thirty-five are over 30 years old, many of whom earned degrees in fully online or hybrid programs designed for working adults from ���������’s College of Professional and Continuing Studies.

Diplomas were awarded in 51 different degree programs, reflecting the wide variety of academic and career interests of students in the Class of 2026.

The largest group of graduates were the 299 students who were awarded Bachelor of Science degrees in Nursing. ���������’s College of Nursing and Public Health is perennially ranked as a U.S. News & World Best College for Undergraduate Nursing Programs. It is also a U.S. News Best Nursing School for �������ٱ��’s degree and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs as well, and one of only 13 institutions designated as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing.

Psychology was the next-most-popular degree, with 85 graduates. U.S. News & World Report includes Adelphi’s Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology in its rankings of Best Undergraduate Psychology Programs, Best Psychology Grad Schools and Best Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs.

Biology, a favorite major for premedical and preprofessional students, had the third-largest group of graduates, with 67 students earning their degrees. Rounding out the top five were two more programs in the healthcare and wellness fields—health sciences, with 52 students earning their Bachelor of Science, and physical education, with 51 graduates.

Top-10 degrees also included accelerated nursing, management, computer science, marketing and finance.

Graduates From Near and Far

While most of this year’s graduates are from New York, members of the Class of 2026 came to Adelphi from 24 other states. Students from New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania were the largest out-of-state contingents.

The class also included 86 international students from 42 countries, including 10 from India, seven from Pakistan, five from Mongolia and five from Vietnam.

Hussein Ali Rifath, president of ���������’s Student Government Association, celebrated the global character of the Class of 2026 in his Commencement address. Rifath, whose family is from Bangladesh, congratulated the international students and the large number of graduates with backgrounds in other lands in a dozen languages. Rifath graduated summa cum laude with a 4.0 average and a degree in political science and will spend next year in Spain on a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant scholarship.

A Valuable Degree

The experience of recent graduates shows that an Adelphi degree is a ticket to a well-paying job. In our most recent alumni survey, graduates of our Class of 2024 reported an average salary of $76,450. Ninety-two percent were employed, continuing their education or participating in an internship within one year of graduation.

The successful outcomes of Adelphi graduates have attracted national attention. Forbes, which bases its America’s Top Colleges rankings on the ability to produce successful, high-earning and influential graduates from all economic backgrounds, ranked 91�Թ��� as the top private university on Long Island. So did The Wall Street Journal, whose rankings reflect how well colleges prepare their graduates for financial success.

Words to Live By

While this year’s graduates walked away with their degrees and their career plans, they also took along some advice from two Adelphi alumni whose careers prove their point.

President-Elect Balboni, who grew up in Garden City, rode his skateboard to campus on his first day at Adelphi with plans of going to medical school. Instead, he went to law school, became a litigator, a state legislator, a business executive and now a college president. What has that experience taught him?

“You have no idea what the future will bring,” he said. “Life is not always going to be a straight line to where you’re going to wind up.”

But he also gave listeners the key to his success. “My career has always been a series of saying ‘I’ll try that.’”

Joseph W. Westphal ’70, PhD, who received an honorary degree that day while also having the pleasure of seeing his granddaughter receive her Adelphi degree in nursing, echoed President-Elect Balboni’s message of life’s unpredictability and of opportunities taken advantage of.

After graduating from Adelphi, he went to graduate school, became a professor and took academic leadership programs. “But it was government service that took me places I never imagined I would experience,” he said, referring to diplomatic and high-level administrative appointments he received from Presidents Reagan, Clinton and Obama.

“The world belongs to those who are prepared not only to succeed, but to serve,” he said, and he followed that with three challenges for graduates who want to follow that path:

“Take personal responsibility for your actions, your decisions and your impact.”

“Be honest and ethical, especially when it’s inconvenient.”

“Be thoughtful about where you can make the greatest difference.”

The post At a Journey’s End, the Undergraduate Class of 2026 Heads Into the Future With Optimism appeared first on 91�Թ���.

For the third consecutive year, the stands atop the , and this time, the Panthers didn’t just win the NE10 Presidents Cup, the annual trophy given to the conference’s top all-around program. They made history doing it.

Adelphi’s three-peat marks the first such accomplishment by any institution since 2009–2012, pushing the Panthers’ all-time Cup total to seven, third-most in conference history. On top of that, Adelphi also won the NE10 Founders Cup and Pioneers Cup as the best men’s and women’s programs, respectively. It is the second time Adelphi has swept those trophies in the three years they have been awarded.

Most telling, however, is what the Brown and Gold have done in the modern era: Since 2012–2013, no program has been more dominant, with Adelphi now claiming seven of the last 14 Presidents Cups.

A Dynasty Defined: Men’s Lacrosse Falls One Step Short of Immortality

For 14 consecutive weeks, the two-time defending national champion chased history, bidding to become the first three-peat in NCAA Division II history.

In near-identical fashion to in Foxborough, Massachusetts, the Cats and University of Tampa once again needed extra time to settle the score, this time in a 12-11 loss at the University of Virginia’s Scott Stadium in Charlottesville.

The defeat stings, but the résumé endures. At 19-1, the Panthers were the first program to appear in three consecutive national title games since 2017–2019.

Goaltender led all of Division II with a 5.61 goals-against average and a .663 save percentage while limiting opponents to a nationwide-low 6.25 goals per game.

received the title of Lt. Raymond J. Enners Outstanding Player of the Year, the third consecutive season a Panther has claimed the honor, while also repeating as the Lt. J.G. Donald McLaughlin Jr. Outstanding Midfielder of the Year. Tomei attained an Ensign G. Markland Kelly Jr. Outstanding Goalie citation, and was named Long Pole Midfielder of the Year. and hold on to their honors from the 2025 season, being named the Lt. Col. JI Turnbull Outstanding Attackman and the William C. Schmeisser Defensive Player of the Year, respectively.

A Grand Slam in the Desert: Women’s Tennis Makes Program History

While the men’s lacrosse team was making its stand in Virginia, the was writing its own chapter in the NCAA Tournament in Surprise, Arizona.

Under ’18, MS ’21, herself a former NE10 Player of the Year for the very program she now leads, the Panthers posted a perfect 12-0 NE10 regular-season record, their first unblemished conference mark since ’26 was a Panther in 2015–2016, before claiming the NE10 Championship in dominant fashion at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in the shadow of Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The historic run culminated in the program’s first-ever appearance in the .

Fakas was coined as the NE10 Women’s Tennis Coach of the Year, and the ITA/Dunlop Coach of the Year for both the men’s and women’s programs, having guided her teams to a combined 33-12 record.

’26, who pushed the nationally fourth-ranked Emily Buchanan of Mississippi College to a first-set tiebreak in Adelphi’s debut at nationals, was named the ITA East Region Senior Player of the Year, adding to a decorated résumé that includes , , an NE10 Elite 24 Award and First Team NE10 All-Conference praise in both singles and doubles.

Men’s Tennis: Three’s Not a Crowd, It’s a Dynasty

The men’s tennis team became the NE10’s first three-time tournament champion since 2019, joining three other universities as the only programs in conference history to claim that distinction.

, MS ’26, was labeled the Vern Cox NE10 Player of the Year, the fourth-consecutive Panther to do so, while earned his second career NE10 Championship Most Outstanding Player honor.

Softball’s Remarkable Resurrection

In just her second season at the helm, Head Coach engineered one of the most impressive single-year turnarounds in recent program memory.

After a sub-.500 finish in 2025, the Panthers rebounded to go 37-23 overall with a 27-9 conference record, earning the No. 2 seed in the NE10 Championship, hosting an NCAA Tournament regional pod within the friendly confines of Janet L. Ficke Field, and .

“Carv”-ing Up the Opposition

A live fastball that sat in the 90s was just the beginning for fifth-year senior ’26.

Under the mentorship of first-year , the right-hander put together the finest season of his career in Garden City, going 7-1 with a 2.67 earned-run average to earn NE10 Pitcher of the Year honors, as well as draw some eyes from Major League scouts.

In doing so, Carver joined a short list of distinguished Cats to earn All-America recognition, following in the footsteps of T.J. Santiago ’17 (2017), Ed Baram ’19 (2019) and Dawson Montesa (2025) in bringing the conference’s top pitching honor back to Adelphi for the second time in as many years.

A Rising Tide

The NE10 Presidents Cup isn’t won by two or three programs alone. It is a collective achievement.

The Adelphi men’s and went a combined 17-0 against conference opponents, outscoring them 299-122. The women’s tennis team’s 12-0 regular season run complemented the men’s team, capturing three of the last four NE10 regular season championships.

volleyball program recorded its fourth consecutive 20-win season. And on the links, the , paired with runner-up finishes from the , , and at their respective NE10 Championships, ensured no points were left on the table.

The Panthers aren’t just winning. They’re redefining what sustained excellence looks like in NCAA Division II athletics.

The post Reign Makers: Adelphi Athletics Rules the Spring to Presidents Cup Glory appeared first on 91�Թ���.

They range in age from 20 to 71 years old, came to Adelphi for graduate study from 20 states and 34 countries beyond our borders, and earned �������ٱ��’s and doctoral degrees in 63 different programs. They are the 941 members of ���������’s graduate Class of 2026.

With 90 different graduate degree and certificate programs, Adelphi is committed to growing its number of offerings to meet the demands of today’s rapidly changing economy. This summer, the University is opening the doors of its new in New York City with a range of flexible programs for working adults.

The Four Most Popular Graduate Programs

The Master of Social Work program offered by ���������’s School of Social Work often graduates the largest group of �������ٱ��’s degree recipients. This year was no different, as 183 students received their diplomas at the graduate Commencement ceremony on May 21.

The 67 graduates of the 4+1 Scholar Teacher Education Program (STEP), a five-year combined bachelor’s and master’s degree program that saves students a year of time and tuition, made up the second-largest group. The program, from the Ruth S. Ammon School of Education and Health Sciences, offers tracks in childhood, adolescent, and TESOL education.

The Robert B. Willumstad School of Business graduated the third- and fourth-largest groups of graduates. Sixty-two students earned their MBA this year, while 50 received their MS in Business Analytics.

���������’s Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology—the first university-based professional school of psychology—graduated the largest group of doctoral students, 23 in all. Sixteen students received their PhD in clinical psychology, and seven earned their PsyDs in school psychology.

A Global Group of Graduates

Students from 34 countries outside the United States came to Adelphi for their graduate education. The largest group, by far, is from India, with 117 graduates. The 11 students from Vietnam were the second largest group, followed by the 10 graduates from China. The 191 international students in the Class of 2026 also included scholars from as far away as Guyana, Cameroon, Egypt, Turkey, Georgia, Nepal, the Philippines, and Taiwan.

Stateside, the bulk of graduates are from New York and nearby New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. Overall, the class included students from 20 states.

Strong U.S. News & World Report Rankings for Graduate Programs

The quality and reputation of Adelphi graduate programs were among the main draws for this year’s graduates. Adelphi programs are annually ranked by . Seven Adelphi programs are included in this year’s list:

• Best Nursing School: �Ѳ����ٱ��’s
• Best Nursing School: Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Best Public Health School
• Best Psychology School
• Best Clinical Psychology Doctorate Programs
• Best School for Social Work
• Best Speech-Language Pathology Program
• Best Part-Time MBA Program

“These latest rankings from U.S. News & World Report are a testament to the exceptional caliber of our faculty, the dedication of our students and the profound impact our alumni are making in healthcare and clinical settings,” said Susan Dinan, PhD, ���������’s interim provost. “The dramatic rise in our health program rankings, which are driven by peer assessment, demonstrates that our commitment to academic innovation and clinical excellence is recognized by our academic peers across the country.”

Adelphi Grad Programs Arrive in Manhattan

As early as next year, Adelphi will begin graduating students who earn their graduate degrees in New York City at the University’s new . A state-of-the-art, three-floor learning space located in the heart of Midtown at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 44th Street, the center will offer an initial group of eight graduate programs in in-demand career areas. Students will be able to choose from �������ٱ��’s degree programs in artificial intelligence and machine learning, education, general psychology/human resource concentration, business administration (Flex MBA), social work, and creative writing, as well as doctoral programs in learning sciences and global higher education leadership. Students can also earn graduate certificates in business analytics and human resource management at the Manhattan Center; the academic credits earned are transferable to our master’s degree programs.

All programs will feature flexible schedules and evening classes to accommodate working adults. The University also introduced a special $10,000 Manhattan Advantage Award to provide financial support for students in the inaugural cohort to ensure they have the resources to pursue graduate studies that will help them become leaders of the modern workforce.

The expansion to Manhattan, the launch of new master’s degree and doctoral programs, and the accomplishments and vitality of the graduate Class of 2026 together reflect Adelphi’s strategic commitment to graduate education and to the University’s growing strength in advanced studies.

The post With Graduate Degrees in Hand, the Class of 2026 Sets Out to Make a Difference appeared first on 91�Թ���.

For students pursuing a career in , working with a patient for the first time can be intimidating. The nerves, uncertainty, and pressure to perform can often make these early interactions overwhelming.

To address these challenges, 91�Թ��� has opened the Charna Caddy DiSanto Clinical Simulation Voice Lab, a lab designed to help students build their confidence and develop essential clinical skills before they work with patients with voice disorders.

Hands-On Learning for Speech-Language Pathology

The new voice lab employs a hands-on, experiential learning approach tailored for students in the graduate program in speech-language pathology, offered through the Ruth S. Ammon School of Education and Health Sciences. The lab was generously funded by the family of the late Charna Caddy DiSanto, a speech-language pathologist and clinical supervisor for ���������’s speech-language pathology students from 1986 to 2006. Her family’s gift represents a lasting investment in student success.

Steven Cox, PhD, CCC-SLP, associate professor and lab director, emphasized that “This clinical experience gives our graduate students specialized training in voice care that bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world patient care, equipping them with the skills they need for clinical placements focused on voice disorders.”

A Way to Develop Skills Before Treating Patients

Clinical simulation, as defined by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, allows students to gain valuable clinical experience through alternative methods rather than through direct patient interaction. Now, thanks to the Charna Caddy DiSanto Clinical Simulation Voice Lab, graduate students can work with manikins, virtual reality, and simulated patient scenarios before their clinical placements involving patients with voice concerns.

“Students also earn clinical hours toward graduation, certification, and licensing while developing their clinical skills in a structured and safe environment,” explained Dr. Cox.

A sense of safety is crucial, particularly for students encountering clinical work for the first time. Anne Marie Skvarla, clinic director of the Hy Weinberg Center for Communication Disorders, noted that many students report understandable feelings of anxiety and uncertainty in their initial interactions with patients.

Boosting Confidence for Real-World Experiences With Patients

Research indicates that simulated learning experiences can boost confidence, enhance interpersonal skills, and better prepare students for real-world clinical situations. Inside the lab, students participate in hands-on activities that replicate real clinical procedures and interactions. A standout experience involves using rigid and flexible endoscopes, which are thin, lighted instruments used to view the vocal folds on a manikin, a critical diagnostic skill for identifying voice disorders.

“This becomes a highlight for many students,” Dr. Cox noted, adding that the lab also integrates virtual reality and computerized analysis tools to enrich the student learning experience.

Promoting Teamwork and Problem-Solving Skills

In addition to individual skill-building, the lab emphasizes communication, teamwork, and collaborative problem-solving. At the beginning of each semester, students participate in an escape-room-style activity that challenges them to work together and uncover clues about a simulated patient’s condition. “It helps them learn to work collaboratively as part of a team as they try to uncover important background information about their patient,” said Dr. Cox.

Hands-On Learning for Communication Sciences

Very few universities across the country offer simulation labs for speech-language pathology students. The Charna Caddy DiSanto Clinical Simulation Voice Lab distinguishes itself by providing students access to advanced technology and immersive training experiences. The establishment of the lab underscores ���������’s commitment to experiential learning, a vital aspect of its academic strategy. By allowing students to practice clinical techniques in a controlled environment, the University ensures that they enter the field with greater confidence and competence.

Preparing Speech-Language Pathology Students for Success

Ultimately, the goal of the Charna Caddy DiSanto Clinical Simulation Voice Lab is to ensure that students are well-prepared when they work with patients with voice concerns. “By developing their skills using clinical simulation, students are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to treat their first patient with voice concerns,” concluded Dr. Cox.

The post Finding Their Voice: ���������’s New Simulation Lab Prepares Future Speech-Language Pathologists appeared first on 91�Թ���.

“This award reflects the dedication of the entire team here at Adelphi,” said Rhattigan. “Our focus has always been on building a resilient financial foundation for the University. Through long-range planning, including our recent $106 million bond offering, alongside major expansions like our new Manhattan Center, we are ensuring Adelphi is built to thrive for years to come.”

Leading ���������’s financial portfolio since 2022, Rhattigan has seen the University through challenging times in higher education and has kept it on a steady course, showcasing solid growth, stable finances and exceptional financial leadership. According to Rhattigan, “The three primary keys to ���������’s success: transparency, widespread partnership and thinking ‘university first’ rather than ‘department first.’”

Before joining Adelphi, Rhattigan spent more than a decade leading two eLearning platforms in K–12 education, which he helped expand into approximately 30,000 schools worldwide. He previously directed a consolidation of broadcasting stations, successfully executing equity and debt financing, restructuring and cost management. Rhattigan began his career at Andersen Consulting and worked in Europe, helping clients implement controls, processes and technology to transform their organizations. He later worked in debt securities at JPMorgan. Rhattigan has an undergraduate degree in business administration from the University of Notre Dame and an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management.

Rhattigan joins fellow from organizations including Jovia Financial Credit Union, Stony Brook Medicine, Discover Long Island and Teachers Federal Credit Union. A ceremony celebrating this year’s awardees was held at Crest Hollow Country Club on May 21.

Learn more about Rhattigan’s winning financial strategy.

The post Driving Excellence: Adelphi VP of Finance Honored at 2026 Executive Circle Awards appeared first on 91�Թ���.

Following testing, there may be a slight discoloration of the water in some campus buildings. This temporary condition can be easily resolved by running the water for a minute or two.

We appreciate your understanding and support of our community’s continued safety and well-being.

The post Important Notice: Fire Life Safety Testing Advisory appeared first on 91�Թ���.

• Weekend shuttle service suspended: Saturday, May 23 – Friday, August 21 (13 weeks)
• Weekend service will resume: Saturday, August 22
• Starting Tuesday, May 26, the Weekday Shuttle Service shifts to its new summer schedule, running nightly until 9:00 p.m.

Shuttle Schedule

See the Panther Express Shuttle webpage for the most current schedule, which is regularly reviewed and updated. Note: the Panther Express Shuttle will not run on Monday, May 25, 2026, while the University is closed for Memorial Day.

If you have any questions, please contact the Department of Public Safety and Transportation directly at 516.877.3500 or by email at askpublicsafety@adelphi.edu.

We wish our Adelphi community a great summer.

The post Shuttle Advisory: Summer Weekend Shuttle Service Suspension appeared first on 91�Թ���.

This year, more than 2,100 Adelphi graduates received degrees at the Commencement ceremonies. Most graduates were from the University’s College of Nursing and Public Health and the School of Social Work.

���������’s Class of 2026 represented 60 countries and 29 states, with 1,803 hailing from the State of New York. This year, the graduates ranged from 18 to 73 years old.

On Wednesday, May 19, 54 doctorate degrees were conferred at the Doctoral Hooding ceremony at the 91�Թ��� Performing Arts Center (PAC).

Adelphi Leaders Impart Words of Wisdom for Class of 2026

Adelphi’s Interim President Christopher Storm, PhD, addressing the Class of 2026 at the 130th commencement ceremonies.

Christopher Storm, PhD, who has served as ���������’s interim president for the past academic year, addressed the Class of 2026, reminding them that their Adelphi education has prepared them to meet the challenges of the future:

“Earning a college degree is no small feat—it requires perseverance, resilience and dedication. Each of our graduates here today has shown that and more on their Adelphi journey, and I hope you leave feeling empowered by what you’re capable of achieving.”

Representatives from the Class of 2026 also shared personal stories and inspiration with fellow graduates from the podium.

Undergraduate Student Government Association President Hussein Ali Rifath walking to the commencement stage.

“Our story has been one of hard work, grit and determination each and every step of the way,” said undergraduate Hussein Ali Rifath, Adelphi Student Government Association president. “But ultimately, those experiences have touched our lives. My friends, the road that lies ahead is one of hope. It’s shaped by dreams that lie deep within each and every one of us.”

Emily Ledesma ’25, president of the Graduate Student Council, spoke about how ���������’s inclusivity helped her feel seen and supported.

“I wish that I could tell first-year Emily that things would be different for a change, and that Adelphi would become more than a university; it would become a place where I felt seen, supported and accepted just as I was, and become a place that I consider a second home, one that is so hard to say goodbye to.”

Joseph W. Westphal ’70, PhD, former U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia receiving an honorary degree at Adelphi’s 130th undergraduate ceremony.

During this year’s Commencement ceremonies, four honorary degrees were awarded to accomplished, inspiring alumni whose work is closely tied to ���������’s mission. Honorees included: Joseph W. Westphal ’70, PhD, former U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Serena Martin ’05, founder and executive director of ; Christopher Pappas ’81, a first-generation student who became founder, chairman, president and chief executive officer of ; and Z. Paul Akian ’64, a technologist, entrepreneur and philanthropist who contributed to NASA’s Apollo Program.

Ambassador Westphal shared, “The world does not need more spectators. It needs participants, people willing to engage and work hard and lead and stand for something meaningful. May you have the courage to begin, the strength to continue and the wisdom to enjoy the journey.”

In Pappas’ address to the Class of 2026, he encouraged the graduates to strive for excellence. “Whatever path you choose, do not settle for ordinary. When a door closest, look for the next door, and when it opens, run through it. Today, you mastered your courses. Now go master life.”

President-Elect Michael Balboni ’81, JD, speaking to Adelphi’s Class of 2026 at the 130th commencement ceremonies.

President-Elect Michael Balboni ’81, JD, ���������’s first alumni president, addressed fellow Panthers at the ceremonies, asking them to stay the course and embrace challenges.

“You have to embrace what you’ve been given. Recognize it’s not always going to be a straight line to where you want to go or where you’re going to wind up. This University will be here for you. Go get ’em!”

Learn more about 91�Թ���’s 130th Commencement.

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